Video Storyboard Template
Preparing your video concepts
Storyboarding is a crucial step in preparing for any type of video production. The storyboarding process helps you visualize and organize your ideas before filming begins. By planning your shots, you can streamline the production process, saving time and resources, while also creating your best work.
For this walkthrough, we will use StudioBinder’s storyboard creator to demonstrate each step. Though we are using StudioBinder, the process is universal and can be applied whether you're using a software tool for your storyboard or simply a pen and paper.
Step 1
1. Decide your presentation format
When preparing your storyboards, consider how you'll present them and how this affects the visual story. Decide on your layout, aspect ratio, and the number of panels per page.
Storyboard templates come in various formats, from two to twelve panels. Depending on your style, you may choose small frames for quick sketches or to speed up sequences. Larger frames are helpful for presenting to a bigger team or if your storyboard contains many details.
At this stage, also choose an aspect ratio for your storyboards, as this will significantly impact the final product's presentation and viewing.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Switch between view types (from 1 - 4 columns).
- Hide or reveal shot specs (scene number, description, audio, video).
- Automatically fit the image to the aspect ratio you decide.
Step 2
2. Read the scene
No matter what type of video you are creating, the storyboard is the first visual adaptation of a script. Understand the visual components that are written within the script such as settings, characters, actions and other key visual details.
Next, identify the emotions that are occurring in the scene. Ask yourself, "What is the scene really about? What do the characters want?"
This part of your scene analysis will guide your visualization process, helping you decide on the types of shot sizes, camera angles, or camera movements* needed to convey the emotional story.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Transform your script's scenes into blank storyboard panels automatically.
- Cross-reference the script and storyboard with the Preview Feature, ensuring continuity and accuracy.
- Tag each relevant line in the script to generate a new panel within the storyboard.
Step 3
3. Create or find images
Once you have a clear vision of your scenes, it’s time to create or source images. You can sketch them yourself, hire an artist, or use photographs.
Be sure to arrange your panels in chronological order to maintain the narrative flow of your vide. You can always rearrange your storyboard later, especially when using a digital storyboarding software.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Upload images from anywhere, including previous projects.
- Capture hand-drawn frames with your computer camera for your video storyboard.
- Reorder the images by simply clicking and dragging.
Step 4
4. Include descriptions and annotations
Adding detailed descriptions and annotations for each panel can provide valuable context for your imagery. Details like camera angles, camera movements, blocking and any special effects will paint a better picture of your video.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Add scene descriptions, audio information like dialogue, and video information explaining the visual.
- Insert arrows, text and shapes to further clarify the direction of each image.
Step 5
5. Share and collaborate
Collaboration is key to refining your storyboard and maximizing its value. Share your work with team members, such as cinematographers or producers, to gather feedback and insights. Typically, this means saving a PDF version and emailing it to your recipients.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Share with a view-only link.
- Invite collaborators to work on this specific feature/page (not the entire project).
- Collaborate with team members in the comments feature.
Step 6
6. Print
After incorporating feedback and making necessary adjustments, finalize your storyboard. Print hard copies for use on set, where they can serve as valuable reference material during production.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Generate storyboard PDFs for a professional presentation with added security.
Conclusion
Storyboard Complete
Preparation is the foundation of any successful video shoot. Get the most out of your storyboarding process and make sure you communicate your vision clearly to your team.
This wedding mood board template is one of many storyboard templates you can use. Browse all other storyboard templates on our Templates page.
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